issue 2 2014 - Sovereign Travel

Travel News
Welcome...
Welcome to the latest issue of our regular travel
magazine where we hope to stimulate your travel taste
buds with a varied selection of worldwide holiday ideas
and destinations to treat yourself, partner, family or a
group of friends to a well-earned break.
Finally, in keeping with our regular look at the world of
luxury cruising, we embark on a tour of luxury hotel barge
cruising, as featured in Rick Stein’s “French Odyssey” BBC
television series. We also review the forthcoming
introduction in 2015 of the new Suite Class on
Celebrity Cruises.
Whether you are looking for a “trip of a lifetime”, a
beach getaway, a luxury city break or just news on
some of the world’s finest hotels and resorts we are
sure this issue will inspire you, so sit back, have a read,
then give us a call to discuss your travel plans.
In this issue we conclude our two-part spotlight on the
“Golden State” of California looking at the Northern
circuit working around the sights starting in San
Francisco and ending up at one with nature in the
Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Jeanne Radcliffe and the Team
Of course, no issue would be complete without some
reference to tropical climes and we hope this issue will
not disappoint those looking for an escape to the sun
as we head both west to the Caribbean and east to The
Sovereign Travel
74 High Street
Wimbledon Village
London, SW19 5EG
Tel: 020 8879 7171
Published by Travelspeak Limited - 020 8944 6050 - www.travelspeak.co.uk
Issue 2, 2014
12
All aboard The Ritz-Carlton, Abama train
Perched on a hilltop in the middle of a picturesque valley in
the Vaucluse region of Provence, near Mont Ventoux, lies
the charming medieval hamlet of Crillon le Brave, one of
France’s hidden jewels.
A new 40-seater train offers guests transport around the
resort’s grounds enabling swift access from the main hotel
lobby to its secluded beach via a scheduled itinerary of stops.
Running daily, the train operates round trips between 09.15
hrs and 20.00 hrs while outside of the schedule, the resort's
team will be on hand to meet and drop off guests via one of
the resort’s fleet of four-seater eco-buggies.
Maldives. We also travel down to South Africa for an
excellent combination of Safari and Winelands
gastronomy in the company of Sir Richard Branson.
It is always refreshing to be able to feature new places
and it is with great pleasure that we showcase the
newly opened Regent Porto Montenegro. Similarly, DHotel Maris is a relative newcomer, but following many
reviews from happy guests this summer, it is sure to be
one of the hot shots for 2015. The location on the
Datca Peninsula is simply stunning.
4
Celebrating 25 glorious years at
Hostellerie Crillon Le Brave
Fax. 020 8944 1308
Email: enquiries@sovereigntravel.co.uk
14
16
25 years ago, two enterprising Canadians, began a fascinating
project, when they renovated a third of the village into a 32bedroom 5 star boutique hotel spread across seven medieval
houses, accessed via bridges, hidden courtyards cobbled
alleys and a terraced Italian garden. Further enhancements
followed with the arrival in 2006 by Robin Hutson, the
founder of Hotel du Vin. Today, Hostellerie Crillon Le Brave is a
gourmet haven and a proud member of Relais & Chateaux.
www.crillonlebrave.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife is the perfect year -round
location for a luxury family holiday, or couples getaway,
offering a selection of one and two bedrooms suites and
newly furbished deluxe rooms in the Citadel all with a private
balcony or terrace and, more often than not, a perfect sea
view out towards La Gomera.
Hotel style breaks at The Lodge, Verbier
With arguably the best ski runs in the world, Sir Richard Branson's
luxury chalet is a dream winter wonderland escape. Experience
the ultimate catered chalet and its legendary all-inclusive services.
For most of the winter ski season The Lodge at Verbier can only be
booked in its entirety, but selected weeks have been selected for
2014/2015 to open the chalet to individual room bookings. For
instance, early birds can book 3,4 and 7-night stays between 10th
December and 21st December 2014. Rates on request.
The Canny Traveller ...why carry cash abroad - use a currency card!
3
Travel News
12
Winelands & Waterholes
4
On the Waterfront
14
No Shoes & No News
6
Luxury Hotel Barge Cruising
16
Golden Prospects - Northern California
8
Turkish Delight
20
Bajan Flavours at Cobblers Cove
10
Suite Dreams
22
Blackwell’s Jamaica
www.sovereigntravel.co.uk
There is no doubt that some cash in your wallet is a useful back-up, but
carrying large quantities of foreign currency is just asking for trouble.
However, using your UK bank or credit cards abroad, whilst convenient, will
only end up in poor exchange rates and excessive charges.
A good solution is to load sufficient funds onto a pre-paid currency card with
the added advantages of very competitive exchange rates when transferring
funds and no usage fees for purchases. For instance, Fair FX, one of the UK
market leaders, provides US Dollar & Euro pre-paid cards with the facility to
load money from Sterling accounts at exchange rates that beat the high street
banks, the Post Office and bureaus like Travelex by very significant margins.
www.fairfx.com
Montenegro, Wild Beauty
On the Waterfront
Stylish hospitality at the Regent Porto Montenegro
S
et against the backdrop of one of the world's
most famous super-yacht marinas, the newly
opened Regent Porto Montenegro has
become the latest addition to the Regent Hotels &
Resorts collection. Situated on the shoreline of the
Adriatic and overlooking Boka Bay (Bay of Kotor), the
hotel offers each of its guests a unique experience of
luxury and beauty in one of Montenegro's most
captivating harbours.
The traditional exterior of the five storey building
borrows from classic Mediterranean architecture, with
its terracotta roof, as well as from the styles found in the
quintessential Italian palazzi that have lined the coast
since the start of the Venetian rule in the 15th century.
The sumptuous interior takes inspiration from both
Renaissance Venice and also the nautical setting to
create the elegant surroundings. Most of the 51 rooms
and 35 suites are accompanied by a spacious balcony
that allows the guests to enjoy the vistas of either Boka
Bay or the famous mountains of Montenegro.
The hotel also offers a varied selection of different
dining and drinking options to suit all types of guest.
The Dining Room is at the heart of this, with its
graceful décor, French windows and plush velvet
seating. The menu uses seasonal and local
Mediterranean produce to create a series of dishes
4
that combine the traditional tastes of the Adriatic
regions with the occasional hint of Asian cuisine. For
those with a sweeter tooth, The Gourmet Corner is at
hand with its selection of classic sweet and savoury
treats, including chocolate truffles, pastries and pizza
fresh from the oven.
The Regent Porto Montenegro is also the ideal location
for an evening drink or afternoon tea. The Library Bar in
particular features an open fireplace for guests to enjoy
in winter months in addition to a west-facing terrace,
the perfect location to view the spectacular sunsets
over the marina. For guests seeking a more private
venue, the Italian Garden is the perfect getaway.
Situated on a private island, the open-air setting
provides wonderful views of the bay whilst dining or
having drinks.
Montenegro is a small country with a big punch.
Since gaining independence from neighbouring
Serbia in 2006, this tiny Balkan Republic has
made great strides to establish itself as a yearround, quality tourist destination offering a
stunning landscape of soaring mountains,
Europe’s most southerly fjord and an idyllic 293
km stretch of long beaches and craggy coves
bordering the warm, blue waters of the Adriatic.
It is no wonder that Montenegro has witnessed
a flood of investment and a rush to buy property.
Along the meandering shoreline of Boka Bay there
are several historic lakeside towns with beautifully
preserved medieval stone buildings that reflect
the rich architecture of the Renaissance republic
of Venice, who governed the coastal regions
until 1797. Today, the most popular towns of
Budva and Kotor have a contemporary-chic
atmosphere, with a burgeoning supply of good
restaurants and lively bars.
Travel into the hinterland of Montenegro and
the drama of nature intensifies. There are 5
national parks, culminating in the striking alpine
spaces of the spectacular Durmitor National Park
where you can hike though unspoilt
pastureland, ski past 2000-metre-plus peaks, or
raft through the colossal Tara Canyon.
The amenities of the hotel include a 20-metre
outdoor infinity pool, 15-metre indoor swimming
pool, a fitness centre, and, of course, a Regent Spa
which features a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room,
hammam and fresh juice bar.
The Regent Porto Montenegro is located in the town
of Tivat and can be reached through the local
international airport or those found in Podgorica or
just over the border in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
5
Luxury Hotel Barge Cruising
A truly unique experience with European Waterways
W
hat is hotel barging? Despite the growing
popularity of cruising, particularly on river
boats, this is still a little known niche concept
within the vast cruise industry. Maybe the term
“barging” deters interest, conjuring up images of
narrowboats or coal lighters. In fact, nothing could be
further from the truth.
Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have
since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury
boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20
passengers. This is cruising, but in a very different style to
ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow,
with a 6-day cruise often covering little more than 50
miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the
towpaths and never be left behind as their floating hotel
glides gently along. The idea is to offer guests full
immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of
one of a number of fascinating regions of Europe such as
Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, or the Italian Veneto.
Every day, when not cruising, a crew member leads an
excursion, perhaps to a vineyard for a wine tasting, a
market where the chef might buy fresh, local
ingredients for the evening meal or a visit to a unique
“off the beaten track” location that you would never
find on your own. These could be to still-inhabited
6
troglodyte cave dwellings, a private chateau or to see
an olive oil press at work and sample its produce.
Surprisingly for such a largely unknown travel concept, the
leading hotel barging company, European Waterways, has
been offering its exclusive floating hotels for nearly 40
years. There are 18 vessels in the fleet, the best known of
which is Anjodi, star of Rick Stein’s award winning BBC TV
series “French Odyssey”, transporting him along the Canal
du Midi on a voyage of culinary discovery. Other hotel
barges offer the same intimate atmosphere, all with high
levels of personal service and access to the tranquillity of
smaller waterways which larger vessels cannot reach.
About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for
whole boat charters. The small passenger capacity
offers a unique opportunity for groups of friends or
family to enjoy their own bespoke private cruise.
Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join the floating
house party, hosted by the Captain and pampered by
the chef and the rest of the crew.
Whether you fancy a soak in the on-deck spa-pool, a
game of boules on the bank or just to sit and watch the
sun go down over the countryside with cocktail in hand,
a “slow boat” European Waterways barge cruise offers
the ultimate in experiential travel.
7
Turkish Delight
A hidden gem in the heart of the Datca Peninsula
O
nce in a while you get really lucky in the
search for the ideal, luxury Mediterranean
resort. At D-Hotel Maris all the constituent
elements are supremely delivered. For a start the resort
occupies a very secluded cove within a vast,
untouched nature reserve on the starkly beautiful
Datca Peninsula. The surrounding volcanic mountains
offer a splendid panorama that juxtaposes vividly with
the crystal clear waters of the Aegean.
What takes this luxury resort into superstar status is the
ingenious skill with which the Dogus Group, faced with
complete restrictions on re-development of the
exterior facade, have transformed the existing property
into a beautifully designed space fusing Turkey’s exotic
charm with modern minimalistic glamour.
The hotel boasts 200 rooms and suites as well as a standalone VIP villa. All are finished with richly hued woods,
subtle chrome accents and elegant marble surfaces, and
come complete with WiFi, iPhone docks and touchscreen control panels. Most of the rooms and suites have
private balconies and a bathtub with a view whilst the
villa, which can sleep 4 guests, enhances the superlative
hotel experience with 24-hour butler service, a private
pool, hamman and sauna.
8
Extensive outside spaces guarantee that all guests will
never feel crowded, whether relaxing at the edge of
the vast infinity pool or at any one of the hotel's five
Blue Flag beaches dotted around the bay, each lined
with glorious white sand (imported from Egypt each
year!), picturesque palms and luxurious beach beds.
This includes an exclusive beach dedicated to
Executive Club Lounge guests whilst Serenity Beach is
for those who want just that - life without distractions
especially mobile phones.
For a wide range of water activities head to Coliseum
Beach. D-Hotel Maris provides excellent equipment
and trainers, and the calm, private bay makes it the
perfect place to try diving, catamaran sailing, water
skiing and wake boarding. For the ultimate waterborne
indulgence you can even charter D-Hotel Maris'
beautiful custom-made 100-foot yacht Pasa or their
55-foot Azimut day cruiser. Land based activities
include bike rides, tennis classes and mountain treks.
There is a cornucopia of culinary delights at D-Hotel
Maris, with six restaurants and four bars that each pair
flawless menus with exquisite settings. A buffet
breakfast of both international and Turkish dishes
(including the region's famous local almonds and
honeycomb) is served every morning in the Terrace, with
unrivalled views across the bay. The Breeze serves Aegean and
Mediterranean dishes of fresh seafood and locally sourced
ingredients, while over on Bay Beach you'll find Nusr-Et, which
boasts a menu of the finest steaks and meat cuts from
Istanbul. For a change of flavour, head to the new al-fresco
Zuma. This popular venue showcases Zuma's award-winning
restaurant, lounge and bar concept, based around the
'izakaya' style of shared eating and drinking with three
kitchens including a robata grill and sushi counter.
D-Hotel Maris completes its perfect luxury Mediterranean resort
qualification with comprehensive wellbeing and fitness facilities.
The Espa spa is a haven of peace and relaxation and is home to an
indoor pool, sauna, steam-room, relaxation area and wellequipped gym, alongside a menu of irresistible treatments that
use the brand's award-winning products and are carried out by
expertly trained therapists. In Summer 2014 the hotel was also
home to the first Bodyism “Clean and Lean” residency in Europe.
D-Hotel Maris is situated 130 km from Dalaman International Airport and 155 km from Bodrum
International Airport. Private helicopter and sea plane transfers are available from both airports,
bringing guests to the resort in just 25 minutes. British Airways is introducing a new, scheduled
flight service between London Gatwick and Dalaman commencing 27th April 2015.
9
Suite Dreams
Introducing the new Suite Class on Celebrity Cruises
S
tarting in April 2015, Celebrity Cruises are
introducing a new Suite Class that is set to offer
their most discerning suite guests the ultimate
refinements, access to exclusive spaces and increased
heights of indulgence.
Those that have already sampled life in a Celebrity
Cruises suite will be acquainted with their expansive,
stylishly designed rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling
windows. You will have enjoyed the services of your
personal butler throughout your cruise and you will
have noticed how you were always given priority with
restaurant and theatre bookings.Let us not forget those
additional in-suite perks like the complimentary
welcome bottle of wine, 24-hour complimentary room
service and Bvlgari luxury bath amenities as well as daily
offerings of fresh flowers, fresh fruit platters and
afternoon savoury selections. In addition to all this, with
the new Suite Class, guests will get even more.
The new Suite Class experience* includes a private
restaurant reserved exclusively for all suite guests.
Available morning, noon, and night, every meal features
unique menus that offer sumptuous dishes not available
anywhere else on board. You will savour dishes inspired
by the local destinations and prepared with the world’s
best ingredients ranging from locally caught seafood to
the freshest pasta. Your Suite Class Chef can also provide
tailor-made dining experiences to ensure your meals are
exactly as you like them. And, the Cellar Master (your
head sommelier) will select from more than 450 wines to
create the perfect pairing for any meal. And, as a suite
guest, you have complete flexibility to dine wherever you
choose: the main restaurant, in-suite for more intimate
dinners, or in any of the speciality restaurants**.
Enjoy 24-hour exclusive use of Michael’s Club VIP Lounge,
complete with Personal Concierge who can arrange your
dinner reservations, book Celebrity Shore Excursions, and
even recommend restaurants in ports of call or arrange
rental cars. Savour the complimentary cocktails served
before dinner during daily “Happy Hour,” catch up on
your reading with the wide selection of magazines,
newspapers, and books, or just kick back and relax in this
exclusive, private lounge.
For Royal Suite guests and higher suite grades there is a
new in-suite “all-in” service. In addition to the
complimentary bottle of alcohol with mixers, guests will
enjoy complimentary mini bar items including water,
soda, and beer (stocked daily), not to mention your
complimentary Premium Beverage Package that allows
you to enjoy your favourite beverages, including wine and
spirits, throughout the ship. Stay connected throughout
your cruise holiday with unlimited Internet access.
Images (clockwise from top left
1. Relaxing in the Jacuzzi, Penthouse Suite
2. Bedroom, Royal Suite
3. The Lawn Club, Celebrity Solstice
4. Back massage at Canyon Ranch Spa
5. Butler service
6. Bathroom, Reflections Suite
* Services and amenities for suite guests vary by suite category.
Suite Class experience excludes Celebrity Xpedition®
** Complimentary reservations are provided to Royal, Penthouse, and Reflection Suite guests.
Suite dreams are certainly going to be even sweeter
aboard Celebrity Cruises in 2015...
www.celebritycruises.co.uk
10
11
Winelands &
Sir Richard Branson’s new hotel (& vineyard) in the Cape Winelands
F
ine wines and exceptional cuisine have
established the town and valley of Franschhoek
as the gastronomic capital of South Africa. Lying
just 45 minutes from the centre of Cape Town, this
beautiful valley allows easy access into the city whilst
offering a distinctly more sedate environment to take
in the open spaces of this inspiring locality.
Situated on a hilltop, overlooking the quaint town of
Franschhoek and affording spectacular views of the
entire valley and surrounding mountains, Mont
Rochelle Hotel and Vineyards is one of the valley’s most
notable estates, with a history dating back to the late
17th century. It has also become the latest acquisition
into the eclectic portfolio of worldwide luxury retreats
of Virgin Limited Edition and reflects Sir Richard
Branson’s own keen interest in both promoting wine
and gastronomy tourism in Franschhoek as well as
offering an ideal extension for guests visiting Ulusaba
12
Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sand, which lies on the
fringes of the Kruger National Park.
The stunning 22-bedroom hotel has recently reopened
after an intensive period of refurbishment and offers a
range of accommodation including six suites, the finest
of which are the Cap Classique Suites with separate
lounge area, private terrace, private plunge pool and of
course, stunning views across the valley.
A stay at Mont Rochelle promises a true slice of the
classic Cape Winelands lifestyle. Days can be spent
exploring the estate, indulging in private wine tastings,
taking a picnic in the vineyards or perhaps just relaxing
by the side of the heated outdoor pool. For the more
energetic-minded one might test the equipment of the
hotel’s gym before surrendering to an indulgent
massage at the spa.
Waterholes
is the perfect South African duet with Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
There are also plenty of options for dining at Mont
Rochelle, from picnics in the great outdoors to relaxed
lunches in the wine cellar kitchen, perfect for a light lunch
in the sunshine or a relaxed dinner. The main restaurant,
Miko, is the gastronomic heart of the hotel, and will be
the stage for evenings of superlative cuisine, perhaps
after relaxing with drinks in hand on the terrace to watch
the sun set across this magnificent valley.
Now imagine a new and perfectly contrasting landscape
of the wild bushlands of Sabi Sand as found at Ulusaba
Private Game Reserve, a magical wonderland in one of
the world’s most prolific wildlife sanctuaries. The thrills of
twice daily safari game drives (as well as walks) is
complimented by a variety of magnificent
accommodation, giving guests the choice of two
separate lodges (and habitat). Rock Lodge clings to the
upper reaches of a sentinel hillock (Koppie) that
dominates the surroundings. From its many terraces you
literally look down and out over the forests and bushland
to the distant horizon of the Drakensberg Mountains.
Alternatively, guests can stay in the thick of it at Safari
Lodge, located beneath a canopy of ancient trees on the
edge of a dry riverbed. Guests will love the sense of
adventure as they cross rope bridges between tree house
style rooms, with local wildlife passing by. Whatever one’s
particular habitat, (some guests stay at both lodges),
Ulusaba offers one of the most refined wildlife adventures
with the promise of the hospitality and facilities that
Virgin Limited Edition is famous for.
The difficult question now is not whether to visit both
Mont Rochelle and Ulusaba, but in which order! It is a
compelling duet that shows off the best of South Africa.
Transfers between Mont Rochelle and Ulusaba involve a flight of 2 hours between
Cape Town and Johannesburg followed by a light aircraft transfer of 1 hour and 20
minutes directly to the private airstrip at Ulusaba.
13
No News & No Shoes
Out of touch with the help of Mr & Ms Friday at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives
hen you arrive at the idyllic
private island resort of Gili
Lankanfushi, you will be met
in person by the general manager,
whose principal duty will be to confiscate
your shoes in exchange for the services
of your personal butler, “Mr” or “Ms”
Friday, who will assist, at the press of a
“red” button on your villa phone with
your every Crusoe whim during your stay
until the sad moment of your departure.
W
Welcome indeed to a very special, and undeniably
romantic, barefoot Maldives holiday experience.
Gili Lankanfushi (formerly Soneva Gili) was the first all
over-water villa resort in the Maldives and continues to
lead the way with its palatial villas-on-stilts. There are a
total of 45 villas. All are crafted in a traditional style from
natural materials and offer roof-top and over-water
sundecks, featuring open air bathrooms, luxurious
daybeds and a personal entertainment centre. Some of
the villas at Gili Lankanfushi are accessed by walkways
and for the ultimate privacy others can only be
accessed by personal boat. Gili Lankanfushi has a casual
atmosphere, the food is superb and of course, nothing
is too much trouble for your personal Mr or Ms Friday!
14
The interior decoration has been devised to recreate a
natural habitat, using sustainable woods, natural
materials and traditional fabrics, whilst still offering all
the modern day amenities and creature comforts of
true luxury. At Gili Lankanfushi the utmost care has
been taken in developing the island with respect to its
ecological balance.
Dining options include several restaurants, but can also
include a romantic, moonlit dinner on the deck of your
villa, a sunset champagne cruise on a traditional dhoni,
or dinners in the underground Gourmet Cellar - the
settings are as memorable as the cuisine. From the fine
wines to the excellent malts, Gili Lankanfushi has
achieved a reputation for providing guests with unique
dining experiences.
Leaving just your footprints in the glorious white coral
sands, snorkelling or diving in the crystal clear waters
amid circling manta rays and playful dolphins,
spending the day out on your own desert island, a
hammock for two in a quiet spot, star gazing under the
canopy of a clear night sky with no light pollution ...this
is what escaping the rat race is all about...
...No News & No Shoes.
15
Discovering Northern California
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
A luxurious downtown San Francisco hotel
that’s close to its heart
Located in the heart of downtown, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is one of the
finest San Francisco hotels to call Nob Hill home.
Golden Prospects
The “City on the Bay” and the great outdoors of Northern California
S
an Francisco Bay Area is regarded by many as the best place to
experience world-class food and wine in North America. The region's
culinary diversity, began with the California Gold Rush of 1849, when
more than 300,000 people from all over the world migrated to Northern
California to strike it rich. When the gold ran out, many of these
immigrants remained, using their earnings to start small farms, dairy
ranches, wineries, fisheries, and a myriad of restaurants that
served family recipes from around the world.
Present-day San Francisco offers a fascinating
historical landscape that pays hommage both
to the preservation of over 14,000 Victorian
buildings in key districts that survived the
ravages and fire damage of the 1906 earthquake
as well as a more modern skyline of striking skyscrapers.
Straddling the mouth of San Francisco Bay the unmistakeable
sweep of the Golden Gate bridge connects the metropolis to the rugged
northern shores of the bay, whilst the imposing prison island of Alcatraz, the
world’s most famous monument to incarceration, once housed famous convicts
like Al Capone and Robert “Birdman” Stroud who would have entertained elusive
glimpses of freedom across dangerous waters to downtown San Francisco.
Welcoming guests into a timeless escape of elegant luxury, this 1909
Neoclassical landmark has been transformed into a beautiful retreat of modern
classic design. It is a gateway to iconic memories, enveloping guests in the
sounds, flavours and imagery of San Francisco.
Guests enter their guest rooms to the soft crooning of Tony Bennett leaving
his heart behind. A mini Golden Gate Bridge model offers sweets for the taking.
And the signature restaurant, Parallel 37, is named after the geographic
latitude that runs through the Bay Area. Beyond the hotel’s doors, it is easy to
explore the city’s spirited atmosphere and diverse cultural experiences as the
historic cable car stops right outside.
The sights of the “City on the Bay” make for a perfect start
to any trip to Northern California. There is an excellent
concentration of galleries and museums within a relatively
small urban footprint. It is also easy to navigate from one
place to the next whether it be a tour of Chinatown, taking
in the artistic vibes of Haight Ashbury, catching a
traditional streetcar ride to Ferry Plaza and Fishermans
Wharf or a walk through the Japanese Tea Garden of the
immense Golden Gate Park. You will certainly be rewarded
with many iconic sights, great gastronomy and a year
round temperate climate that rarely falls below 40o
fahrenheit. It does, however, have a famous microclimate,
when fog sweeps in, that can make temperatures drop
sharply, especially in the summer. Locals tend to describe
this as the city’s natural “air conditioner”.
Exploring Northern California will appeal to those who
have an appetite for rugged nature, open spaces and aweinspiring landscapes. To the north of San Francisco, within
very easy driving distance, lie California’s premier winegrowing regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. For
those who have been drawn by the gastronomic
possibilities, The Wine Country will certainly be a heady
highlight, with the opportunity to spend days discovering
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
An oceanfront resort with a cliff-top location that makes
the most of California’s dramatic coastal scenery.
Situated 23 miles southwest of the San Francisco International Airport,
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay provides a magnificent backdrop for the
perfect holiday along the Northern California coast.
Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by a terrace fire pit or relaxing
on the bluff after a rejuvenating spa treatment, this resort offers a
stunning destination for your next luxury getaway. Delight in
delectable, innovative cuisine in the ocean-view restaurants, tee
off on two championship golf courses or explore miles of walking
trails in one of the most romantic settings in Northern California.
With luxury accommodations, including rooms with full views
over the Pacific Ocean, fitness facilities, indoor pool, world-class
tennis and a wonderful spa, you will never be found wanting at
this luxury resort.
16
17
Discovering Northern California
Post Ranch Inn, Carmel
Adult-only refinement on the edge of Big Sur
Discovering Northern California
the many wineries and tasting the fruit of the vines.
For the ultimate indulgence, why not stay close to
the finest vineyards around Rutherford at the
exclusive, Auberge du Soleil.
In comparison to the open, sandy beaches of
Southern California, the Northern coastline from
Monterey County to the wildernesses of the far
north is rocky and at times covered in great
swathes of Redwood forests. Perhaps the best
known stretch lies between the sleepy town of
Carmel, 125 miles south of San Francisco, and San
Simeon, 240 miles north of Los Angeles.
The Post Ranch Inn, located in Big Sur, California is simply heaven on
earth. From its position above the cloud line, its easy to understand why.
Known amongst the Hollywood elite as the ultimate weekend escape,
Post Ranch Inn offers 39 secluded suites scattered along the cliff top.,
Post Ranch Inn is where you come to relax and reconnect with yourself,
your partner and the environment. With this in mind, guestrooms do not
include televisions or alarm clocks. This is also a grown-ups only getaway.
Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley
Gourmet delights amid the vineyards of Rutherford
Auberge du Soleil began life as a highly acclaimed restaurant. Today’s
Auberge also includes 52 rooms and cottages as well as a superb 7,000
sq. ft spa and a glorious pavilion that overlooks Napa Valley.
The rooms, suites and cottages have a Mediterranean design, complete
with shuttered windows and Italian bed linen.
The restaurant still retains its excellent reputation, and has been awarded
the title of Napa's best restaurant. This, along with its location in
prestigious wine country, makes the hotel a food lover’s dream.
Known as Big Sur, the area is famous for the highly
scenic 89-mile drive along Highway 1, which hugs
a meandering and often precipitous coastline that
rises and falls through many incredibly picturesque
headlands and craggy bays. Whilst a popular
touring destination, the area remains sparsely
populated, in no small part due to the Santa Lucia
Mountains, which rise steeply near the coast,
marking one of the largest roadless areas near a
coast in mainland USA (not including Alaska).
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Legendary comforts on the northern lake shore
The Lake Tahoe region is the perfect base for visitors looking for
outdoor adventure. A ski paradise in winter and a hiking and nature
lover's destination the rest of the year. The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is
the premier resort in the region and offers distinctive service, great
food and large rooms with wonderful views of the surrounding
mountains and valleys. Most of the rooms have their own fireplaces
and balconies. The nearby village of Northstar can be reached by
gondola and is packed with restaurants, bars and shopping.
The Ahwahnee
Yosemite National Park
Art Deco meets Native American
For truly monumental natural vistas, the ultimate
outdoor lifestyle awaits on the western flank of the
State, where the vast Sierra Nevada mountain
range extends 400 miles north-to-south. The Sierra
is home to three national parks, 20 wilderness areas
including Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in
North America and Yosemite Valley sculpted by
glaciers out of 100-million-year-old granite.
At a surface elevation of 6,225 ft, Lake Tahoe is a
hugely popular summer activity and winter
sports destination. The surrounding mountains
offer some of the best powder skiing
playgrounds, whilst the freshwater lake itself is
famed for the clarity of its waters and the mantle
of alpine forests that cloak its banks.
The Ahwahnee Lodge is in the heart of the
Yosemite National Park, in an area that was once
the village of the native Miwoks. In 1925, Gilbert
Stanley Underwood was selected as the architect
for this new luxury hotel. Due to its remote
location, the construction of The Ahwahnee was
the most complex trucking endeavour of its day.
More than 5,000 tons of stone, 1,000 tons of steel,
and 30,000 feet of timber were hauled over the
challenging mountain roads.
The jewel in Northern California’s
natural crown is without doubt,
Yosemite National Park. Sights like
the daunting sheer face of El
Capitan, the grandeur of Glacier
Point and the 200 giant Sequoia
trees of Mariposa Grove testify to the
incredible pioneering work that saw
the protection of Yosemite Valley
(and over 747,956 acres of terrain)
during the presidency of Abraham
Lincoln in 1864, some 8 years before
the first official national park was
created at Yellowstone in Wyoming.
Driving times and distances
Northern California offers a
wonderful combination of urban and
outdoor attractions to satisfy all the
family. Excellent roads and highways
connect many of the key areas,
making self-drive a worthwhile
option for a truly memorable holiday.
Yosemite NP to San Francisco
Distance - 175 miles
Driving Time - 3 hours 30 minutes
San Francisco to Carmel
Distance - 125 Miles
Driving Time - 2 hours
San Francisco to Napa Valley
Distance - 60 miles
Driving Time - 1 hour 5 minutes
San Francisco to North Lake Tahoe
Distance - 200 miles
Driving Time - 3 hours 20 minutes
(North Lake Tahoe to Reno International
Airport - 45 miles/minutes)
Lake Tahoe to Yosemite NP
Distance - 125 miles
Driving Time - 2 hours 30 minutes
The hotel is renowned for its grand public areas
with large stone fireplaces, vast wooden beams,
rich tapestries and elegant stained glass. The views
of the Half Dome and the Yosemite Falls are
exceptional. The hotel features a fantastic solarium
with indoor fountain from which to view the
majestic Glacier Point.
18
19
Caribbean cuisine and hospitality reach new heights at Cobblers Cove
A
t the heart of Cobblers Cove, and in a culinary league
all of its own, the ocean-front Camelot Restaurant is
the creation of Michael Harrison, the only Barbadosborn Executive Chef cooking in a 5 star setting on the island.
Chef Michael trained under Michel Roux Jr. at Le Gavroche in
London, before working at a number of world-renowned
restaurants in Europe and the US before returning home to
Cobblers Cove in 2012.
Imbued with Chef Michael’s unique, Bajan approach,
Cobblers Cove’s reputation for excellence in cuisine has
earned the hotel its much coveted 5 star recognition from the
prestigious Relais & Châteaux group, whose emphasis on
food and wine has set the culinary bar at the highest level.
The Camelot was also awarded 'Restaurant of the Year' at the
Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association Awards in May 2014.
Chef Michael’s cuisine adopts true Caribbean flavours using
the freshest, local produce, whether it be fresh fish brought
straight from the sea by the hotel’s fisherman, Barker, or a
delicious vegetarian delicacy like Olive Crusted Mahi Mahi,
whose main ingredient is plantains. Such dishes sit in
good company with fine internationally inspired dishes,
but be sure to look out for Chef’s Barbadian touches! Such
fine fare also deserves a robust selection of fine wines, and
the hotel is justifiably proud to maintain a very
comprehensive wine list.
Cobblers Cove also invites famous guest chefs for short
residences. In 2015 these will feature visits by awardwinning South African Chef Garth Stroebel in January and
Masterchef 2010 winner Dhruv Baker in March.
For those who may not be acquainted with one of
Barbados’ most cherished luxury hotels, Cobblers Cove,
which lies on the “Platinum” Coast near to the quaint
fishing village of Speitstown, is a privately-owned English
country house-style hotel which blends immaculate
Colonial décor with understated luxury.
There is a distinctly intimate, and informal atmosphere
that seems to rub off immediately on the lucky guests
(many returning again and again), whether couples or
families, who can choose from just forty suites dotted
through its lush, tropical grounds – each with a breezecooled sitting room and private terrace.
There is a swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, small
fitness centre and complimentary watersports including
waterskiing, sailing and windsurfing. Supervised activities
are available for children aged 2-12 yrs during Christmas,
Easter and summer holidays.
20
21
Blackwell’s
GoldenEye, Oracabessa
GoldenEye was Ian Fleming’s Jamaica retreat and where he
wrote all 14 of the James Bond novels. Today,
accommodations at the original resort include: The five
bedroom Fleming Villa, 11 one and two-bedroom Beach
and Lagoon Villas, six Lagoon Cottages, and one Ocean
Front Villa. Located on a stunning 52-acre site, GoldenEye is
home to secret coves, breathtaking private beaches, tropical
forests, and a seawater lagoon.
”Good hotels are places where you dream of staying,
great hotels are where you want to live. This is how a
lot of these hotels began, as places I lived."
Discovering the rich beat of Jamaica
with Island Outpost
T
here is a wonderful synergy with the villas and resorts of
Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost that perfectly mirrors
the Jamaican pace of life. Vibrant, yet laid-back, here is a
collection of diverse properties that will appeal to visitors with
both an appetite to immerse themselves into the culture as
well as a preference to chill out in a low-impact luxury
environment in some of the most beautiful locations that this
musically rich and colourful country can offer.
In this respect whether it be the hills overlooking Kingston, the
delicate and lush bays and lagoon of Oracabessa or the clifftop
and sea cave setting of Negril you are in for a treat. You will
appreciate why the island, and especially Blackwell’s
properties, has offered both a secretive bolthole as well as an
inspirational place to stimulate creative minds.
Strawberry Hill, Irish Town
Strawberry Hill, the 26-acre mountain-top resort, is located
in the heart of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains in Irish Town, 3,000
feet above the Caribbean Sea and overlooking Kingston. The
property features twelve 19th century Georgian-style
cottages, an infinity-edge pool, The Spa at Strawberry Hill,
expansive botanical gardens, and world-class dining.
The Caves, Negril
The Caves is a 10-acre all inclusive resort consisting of twelve
exclusive cliff-side accommodations, including a selection
of one and two-bedroom cottages and suites, plus
Clandestino, a three-bedroom villa with double occupancy
annex. The property’s series of coral stairways, grottos, caves
and private nooks invite exploration.
22
These are retreats with great personality, where, for instance at
Oracabessa, Ian Fleming chose to build and reside at his villa
“GoldenEye”, penning all 14 of the James Bond novels. Today,
his villa has become the focal point for the larger collection of
cottages, villas, restaurants and bars that all make up the
GoldenEye Hotel & Resort.
In the context of a more modern appreciation of Jamaica, it is
not surprising that Jamaican-born Chris Blackwell who, as
founder of Island Records, nurtured some of the world’s most
famous rock and pop musicians including Bob Marley, has also
invested much energy into his passion to promote the culture
of his home country. Certainly, his enthusiasm has rubbed off
on his creative peers with celebrities, rock stars and A-listers all
being regular visitors to Island Outpost.
Notwithstanding the need for luxury trappings, of which there
are many sybaritic pleasures from well-stocked bars, luxury
spas to water toys like jet skis, the true magic of Island Outpost
is best summed up by Chris Blackwell himself:
“I want guests to feel as if they have been to a country and a
community rather than just a resort or a beach”
23
Specialists in independent
luxury travel to the four
corners of the world
Strawberry Hill, Jamaica (Island Outpost - see page 22)
Sovereign Travel
74 High Street
Wimbledon Village
London
SW19 5EG
Tel: 020 8879 7171
Fax. 020 8944 1308
Email: enquiries@sovereigntravel.co.uk